Posted by Brent Warne from BBC Canada on January 26, 2021 at 22:56:11:
In Reply to: Sapper posted by Cate on January 25, 2021 at 11:44:45:
The term "Sapper" comes from a technique that was employed
in the siege of a fortress in early times. To attack a
fortress the army sieging the fortress would tunnel/trench
up to the outer walls in a manner which would permit the
attackers to mine under the walls and blow a breach. The
technique was called "Sapping" and thus the soldiers employed
in this duty were called "Sappers". The rank was adopted
by the British Army sometime in the early 19th Century
for private soldiers of the Royal Engineers.
Along with Gunner, Trooper, Craftsman, Rifleman and
other terms for private soldiers, it is a source of pride
in your corp or arm.
During the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Canadian Corps ( WW1)
and 1st Canadian Army ( WW2 ) constructed and operated
railways to support the effort. You can read more about the efforts
of the 5th Canadian Railway Troops, Canadian Engineers in
the History of the Royal Canadian Engineers Volume I.
Chimo